The Rev Joe Carter was the first African American since 1902 to register to vote in West Feliciana Parish in 1963, but he was not alone. Countless pictures by renowned civil rights photographer Bob Adelman recorded the struggle, but the faces, for the most part, have no names.
More than 60 years after that pivotal year an organized effort has formed to fill the gaps. A group of residents gathered Feb. 22 for Photography Collection
Viewing: CORE — Louisiana Voter Registration 1963. Adelman was on assignment for Ebony magazine and as a volunteer photographer for the CORE when he spent time in West Feliciana Parish His pictures were later published in Ebony’s February 1964 issue in the “Birth of a Voter” article.
“It’s one thing to read in your history books about the Civil Rights Movement, but it is an entirely different thing to see it in action and to see it in your home stat. There’s a saying that a picture is worth 1,000 words, and you know, a video is even more.”
STACIE DAVIS, West Feliciana Parish Library director
The presentation, held at the West Feliciana Parish Library, was a work session of residents looking for familiar faces and connecting the dots when possible. Library Director Stacie Davis said the viewing was an unique opportunity
“It’s one thing to read in your history books about the Civil Rights Movement, but it is an entirely
different thing to see it in action and to see it in your home state,” she said. “There’s a saying that a picture is worth 1,000 words, and you know, a video is even more.”
Any confirmed identifications will be shared with the Adelman estate to ensure their names are properly recorded in history but an online archive of the material is available at bobadelman.net/galleries/core/louisiana/.
“I highly recommend, if you get a chance, you know it’s free to watch online,” Davis said.
Community and civic leader Dyvar Anderson-Wright recognizes significance to both the past and current generations. There is the importance of voting and the generational shift in civic engagement. She has been a part of the community her entire life and recognized people like the Baker and
WHAT A FIND
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The East Feliciana Parish Police Jury backed away from holding a public hearing this month on proposed new residential subdivision regulations because of confusion over what version of the new rules are up for adoption.
Jury President Louis Kent said at the jury’s March 3 meeting that three members of the Planning Commission approached him and said the version jurors had received was not the one the commission adopted.
The jury was scheduled to hold a public hearing March 17 on the proposed amendments to the parish’s subdivision ordinance, but Kent persuaded the jury to call off the hearing and send the matter back to the commission.
Kent did not name the three commission members he said approached him, and the discussion of the purported changes revealed little as to who changed the document and what was changed.
The jury adopted a six-month moratorium on new subdivision development last August and later extended it by two months. Jurors said it will need to be extended again but they did not act on an extension during the meeting.
Another mystery surfaced when Kent called for a special election to rededicate excess revenues from a 3-mill property tax that funds the parish health unit.
Kent said at one time the jury was authorized to split excess revenues, after the health unit’s funding was met, 50-50 between the
Mississippi River high but dropping
BY LEILA PITCHFORD Staff writer
STAFF PHOTO BY LEILA PITCHFORD
On Feb 26, the Mississippi River was high at the old ferry landing outside St. Francisville.
PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Community and civic leader Dyvar Anderson-Wright stands in front of the projection of a historic photo Feb 22 at the West Feliciana Parish Library. The photo, from the Congress of Racial Equality image collection, shows African American residents lined up at the gates of Grace Church waiting to register to vote in 1963. West Feliciana Parish Library Director Stacie Davis watches on at left.
Tillman, left, checks out Kelly Bankston of Clinton
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Bankston load up the larger table of two purchased by Kelly Bankston.
AROUND
Lenten fish fry available
A fish fry fundraiser will happen at 6 p.m. every Friday in Lent except Good Friday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Hall.
The $13 plate includes fried or grilled catfish, potato salad or fries, coleslaw, bread, desserts and soft drinks. Visit www.felicianacatholic.org for information.
Plant your wildflowers
The Feliciana Wildflower Project reminds people who picked up seeds at the 2024 festival now is the time to plant. Choose a sunny location for your wildflower patch, along a roadway for all to see is good. Prepare the soil by tilling it or working it into an existing flower bed Once planted, water the area thoroughly and regularly until the plants are well-established. As the wildflowers grow take photos or videos to share To help the wildflower patch thrive and expand, deadhead spent blooms and either collect or scatter the seeds for even more vibrant growth next season.
Shop the Farmers Market
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every
Thursday the St. Francisville Farmers Market will offer a variety of fresh produce and other locally sourced goods at 9961 Wilcox St. Chamber scholarship
The West Feliciana Chamber of Commerce announces its scholarship program, which will award three scholarships to deserving high school seniors in the community The deadline to submit scholarship applications is 5 p.m. April 1. Email forms to info@westfelicianachamber.org. Visit https:// tinyurl.com/yc332zbd to get the form Deadline for West Feliciana Hospital scholarships: West Feliciana Hospital is offering two $10,000 scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in the fields of nursing or Allied Health. The scholarships are available to current and former West Feliciana Parish residents. Applications are available at the hospital’s front desk or via email at HR@wfph.org The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 14.
Autism Awareness Walk planned Autism Awareness Walk is planned for April 2 at Clinton Elementary School, 10701 Reiley St , Clinton. The 2K walk will start at 5:30 p.m. For information, call L Smith or C. Lee at 225-683-8582.
Spring visit available
Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville is open for its spring season. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m March 15, residents and business owners of West Feliciana Parish are invited for garden stroll.
Cost is $40 for adults. Children 12 and under can attend for free. A self-guided audio tour about the history and beauty of this local attraction is available.
Songbird fundraiser set
Arts for All is holding “Harmonies for Hope,” a fundraiser dedicated to supporting scholarships for local music education initiatives such as the Verlon Thompson Songwriting weekend, Songbird Music School weekend, and Young Songbirds The event is at 6 p.m. March 16 at 3V Tourist Courts, 5687 Commerce St., St Francisville. Buy tickets at https:// bontempstix.com/events/songbirdfundraiser-3-16-2025
The lineup of local musicians included Adrian Percy, Michael Holmes, Melissa Wilson, Heather Feierabend, David Hinson, Nancy Roppolo, Jodi James, Clay Parker and more.
Movie event set in Jackson
The Jackson Branch of the Audubon Regional Library will hold an Emotions in Motion event at 2 p.m. March 14. The event starts with a movie followed by an AI-generated game. Call the branch to sign up.
Lane Diaper Drive ends March 16 Lane Regional Medical Center is hosting a diaper drive through March 16.
Donations of new or open packs of disposable diapers can be dropped off at the collection bin inside the first floor elevator lobby at Lane Regional Medical Center or at any Lane clinic.
As a partner agency of the Junior League of Baton Rouge’s Diaper Bank, the goal is to collect 1,000 diapers to distribute to families experiencing diaper need through Lane Pediatrics.
West Feliciana teacher job fair
West Feliciana Parish Schools welcomes educators to a Teacher Job Fair on March 15, with interview appointments available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is an opportunity for teachers to meet school leaders, explore job openings, and discover what makes the district a great place to work, according to a news release.
For job fair details and to schedule an interview, visit www.wfpsb. org and go to the Teacher Job Fair page.
Lane Chili & Salsa Cook-Off
Lane Foundation’s 10th annual Code Red Chili & Salsa Cook-Off, set from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Saturday, March 22, in downtown Zachary, 4650 Main St The competition is open to amateurs and professionals of all ages.
There are five cooking competition categories: Judges Red Chili, Judges Non-Traditional, Judges Salsa, People’s Choice Chili and People’s Choice Salsa. The Team Spirit award about how well the team embodies the spirit of the cook-off through their presentation, team costumes, decorations and overall attitude.
Admission and parking to the family-friendly event are free. There will be an arts and crafts market, kids zone, games, food trucks and live music at the gazebo all day
Team entry fees range from $40$60. Compete in one category or all! To register a team, sponsor the event, participate in the arts and crafts market, or volunteer, contact the Lane Foundation office at (225) 658-6699 or email tpayment@ lanermc.org. Proceeds from the Code Red Chili & Salsa Cook-Off will benefit the Lane Foundation. Breast imaging set Woman’s Hospital brings breast imaging to East Feliciana Parish with its mobile mammography coach.
The coach will be at RKM Clinton, 11190 Jackson St., Clinton, on March 28. Physician’s orders are required and appointments are strongly encouraged. Call (225) 683-5292 to schedule.
Visit womans.org to see dates for other nearby locations include Baker and Zachary Home and garden event coming in May
The Feliciana Master Gardeners and St. Francisville Beautiful will hold the St. Francisville Home & Garden Stroll on May 10. Proceeds from the open house, garden tours and afternoon workshops go to 4-H scholarships, school gardens and other community projects.
Polo event returns
The Azalea Polo Classic is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m April 6 at West Feliciana Parish Park, 10226 W. Feliciana Parkway, in St. Francisville. The event benefits the West Feliciana Historical Society Event tickets are $125 per person and include admission to the event, hors d’oeuvres, house wine and beer and prepared cocktails. Must be 21 and older to purchase event tickets (18 and older to attend the event).
General admission tickets went on sale Feb. 1. Visit www.azaleapoloclassic.com for information.
Save the date
n March 22: Tunica Hills Music Festival & Jam Session
n April 26-27: Spring Angola Rodeo Tickets are on sale. Gates will open at 8 a.m., and the rodeo will start at 2 p.m All tickets are $20 per person. Ages 2 and under are free if they sit in a lap. No refunds or exchanges allowed. Call (225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or visit 0f472fe. netsolhost.com/tickets.
Send news and events for East and West Feliciana parishes to extra@theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
VOTING
Continued from page 1G
Blackmore families from Greater Bethel AME Church.
The progress made in the 1960s, however, is lost in the cultural changes and voter apathy of younger generations. “Somewhere along the way, because of cultural changes we didn’t stay relevant,” Anderson-Wright said. Anderson-Wright hopes that young people can view the voting registration history and strive to be engaged in the political process because a lack of engagement leads to a lack of voice and empowerment.
“So you have to become real with these young people to get them to understand why it’s so important to vote and you have to bring them along with you,” she said.
For more information about the identification project, contact the library or visit wfplibrary.org/.
VOTE
Continued from page 1G
parish’s general fund and road and bridge fund.
However at some point the tax proposition was worded on the ballot to allow a 90-10 split of excess revenues between the road and bridge fund and the general fund, with the latter account getting the smaller share.
For a period of time, however, the 50-50 split was maintained, and the jury’s financial adviser has advised jury the general fund must repay the additional money Kent said he is not sure when or why a renewal proposition before the voters reverted to the 90-10 split, but the jury went
DEMOCRAT
along with his request to call an election to rededicate any excess revenues on a 50-50 basis between the two funds.
The general fund needs the extra revenue, he said.
A review of election results on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website shows voters approved a 3-mill health unit tax for 10 years on Sept. 18, 2004, without mentioning how excess revenues would be used.
In July 2005, however, voters approved a proposition allowing the jury to split excess revenues on hand as of Dec. 31, 2004, on a 90-10 basis, with the road and bridge fund receiving the higher amount.
A second part of the 2005 proposition allowed the jury to begin the 50-50 split beginning that year
When the residents voted in 2014 and 2023 to renew the millage, however the 90-10 split was back on the ballot, which has the current jurors puzzled.
A September 2020 newspaper article shows the jury briefly considered calling a special election to change the split back to 50-50, but the finance chairman at the time said funds had not been budgeted that year for election expenses. The jury then voted to rescind the call for a 2020 special election.
Jurors also set a 5:30 p.m. April 7 public hearing on an ordinance to grant Entergy a 30year franchise to operate in the parish. Jurors agreed to charge the company a 5% franchise fee, and Kent said the company can pass on half of the fee to its customers.
Sara Wilson Rogers and Calvin Miller Sr discuss historic moments in West Feliciana Parish after a view of photos by renowned civil rights photographer Bob Adelman.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
West Feliciana Parish Library Director Stacie Davis moderates a photo viewing and identification session Feb 22 from the Congress of Racial Equality image collection, showing residents at a local church service during a pivotal voter registration effort in 1963.
Three members of the West Feliciana community, from left, Clara Williams, Carmen Williams and Katherine Thompson, participate in a viewing of photos from the collection of renowned civil rights photographer Bob Adelman. The group helped identify local participants from a 1963 voter registration drive and even captured pictures from the session and texted them to others who couldn’t make the presentation.
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between Feb. 24-March 2:
FEB. 23
SOILEAU, ERIC: 35; 5209 Blackmore Road, St. Francisville;
theft less than $1000
FEB. 25
PIERCE, DONALD: 52; 7935 Jones Vaughn Creek Road, St. Francisville; fugitive warrant BROWN III, MITCHELL: 591 Efferson Road, Greensburg;
possession Schedule IV, possession Schedule I
FEB. 28
FOOSHEE III, ROBERT: 21; 00005 Cardinal Drive, Angola; carnal knowledge of a juvenile
Lilly Higgins of St.Francisville named to Rhodes College dean’s list
Community news report
Lilly Higgins, of St Francisville, was named to Rhodes College’s Fall 2024 dean’s list.
To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must be enrolled in at least 16 credits of academic work and achieve a semester grade point average of 3.70 or better Those students who choose to take a course under the pass/fail option must have a minimum of 12 additional graded credits of work to be considered for this honor Students who are enrolled in the Honors Program or
independent research and receive a grade of in progress for that work will have their qualifying grade point average determined on all other graded work. Founded in 1848, Rhodes College is a liberal arts and sciences college in Memphis, Tennessee.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Town of St. Francisville
Thepurpose of this messageistoinformthe public that theTownof St.Francisvillehas buried gaspipelines throughout thegas service area that provide safe reliable energy to itscustomers TheTownof St.Francisvillemaintains thesepipelines to ahighstandard, andthey areconsidered reliable.ADamageControl Program(linemarkers) andanEmergencyPlanfor respondingtoanemergencysituation has been establishedand theTownworks closelywithFireand Emergency Response Personnel.Prior to anyexcavationinand around anygas facilities contacteitherofthe numbersbelow
or 811
Help Us Keep YouSafe
HowtoRecognize aNatural GasLeak
Naturalgas leaksmay be detectedbyone of thefollowing indications on or near ourpipelines right-of-way:
1. Agaseous or hydrocarbonodor. (smellofrotteneggs)
2. Ablowing or hissingsound
3. Dust blowingfromaholeinthe ground
4. Continuous bubblinginone spot in wetor flooded area
5. Deadvegetation(grass, shrubs, or trees.)
6. Abnormally dryorhardenedsoil.
7. Fireapparentlycomingfromthe ground or burningabove theground.
CAUTION: Gasthathas accumulated in aconfinedspace is subjectto EXPLOSION. Please stay away from immediateareaofany suspected gasleakand contactthe Town of St.FrancisvilleGas Maintenance Department!Never turn on or off switches or usea flashlight or phone in thepresenceofa gassmell.
NOTE: TheTownofSt. Francisvilledoes not maintain buried piping betweenthe gasmeter andthe houseorbusiness. Thecustomeris responsiblefor maintainingand repairingthissection of gaspiping from leakage. Theseburiedgas linesshouldbechecked periodicallyfor leakage.
If youneed additional information,suspect anaturalgas leak or in case of an emergencyconcerninga Town of St.FrancisvilleSystemgas main or service line,immediately call:
Town of St.Francisville(225) 635-3688 (normal business hours) or Sheriff’s Office Dispatch(225) 784-3136 or 911 (after hours)
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Graham and Cindy, of Clinton, look at the toys on sale Saturday at a Boy Scout garage sale in Jackson.
Malachi Seymour, of Jackson, looks at a train among other toys on sale.
Troop 51 scouts on hand and to assist in loading and wherever needed, from left, are Jackson Felker, of St. Francisville ,and Tony and Nico Mendel, of Jackson.
Ruby Jones, of Ethel, looks at some of the decorative items on sale.
Second grader Lorrante Williams works on learning musical notes
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Bains Elementary second grade students Hank Morgan and Nyla Minor practice learning musical notes in Bryanna Dicey’s music class
Longtime band director Lawrence Jackson speaks to Feliciana Mardi Gras Gala
BY LEILA PITCHFORD Staff writer
The East Feliciana Unified Alumni Association, established in 2016, is open to anyone who graduated from past or current public schools in the parish.
Its March 1 Mardi Gras Gala, the group’s largest fundraiser featured food music and dancing. But the highlight for many was hearing from the speaker, former Clinton High band director Lawrence Jackson, who served the community for decades before becoming director at Southern University
“I got a call from Kenny Sanders — I could see a smile on the phone,” Jackson said about Sanders. Sanders invited him to speak and explained what the event was.
“Forty-nine years ago, I came here as a 22-year-old novice, entering straight out of college, and I thought I was going to stay here only one year and roll on out,” Jackson told the audience. “But faith kept me 20 years. Twenty great years. It wasn’t money ‘cause I didn’t make much
“What really kept me here was the great students who are eager to learn A school system that allowed me to make mistakes and learn and grow from my mistakes,” he said. “This is what sealed the deal: good food in the cafeteria.”
At times, a fourth of the high school’s student body were members of the school band.
Jackson listed some of the many achievements that have come from the school system “graduates who have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, senior vice president of a Fortune 500 company, educators, school administrators, school board members, board president, farmers, EMS workers, nurses, nurse practitioners, preachers, pastors, pastors, business owners, law enforcement officers, prison wardens, barbers beauticians real estate brokers, head college football coach, professional athletes, social workers, private detective, chemical plant operators, supermarket managers, military commanding officers.”
He also pointed out that five students went on to become college band directors at Southern University, Grambling State University Alcorn State University and Jackson State. ”We even have one who is now in south Dallas who’s director of band and fine arts director, making a six-figure (salary) Came from this parish.”
Jackson then listed nine reasons alumni should support the East Feliciana Parish school system.
1. Give it back to the community
“Many graduates received their education locally and benefit from the resources. Teachers and program that shape their success. Support of the school system help ensure that future generations receive the same opportunity.”
2. Improving education quality
“Schools, especially in underfunded areas, often rely on alumni support. Whether through donations, mentorship or volunteer graduates can help improve the quality of education, create more opportunities for students and even advocate for necessary changes in the system.”
3. Fostering economic development
“A strong, not a weak, education system helps produce well-trained skilled workers. By supporting local schools, graduates contribute to a region’s workforce, making it more competitive and improving economic opportunities for everyone.”
4. Creating networking opportunities
“By being involved in local education, graduates can create connection with current students, teachers and families, fostering a sense of belonging and long-term community engagement. Deep relationships can be beneficial for personal and professional growth.”
5. Mentorship and guidance
“Many students benefit from having role models to guide them. Graduates who give back by mentoring or offering real advice can inspire students that provide valuable directions to help them succeed.
6. Strengthen the local identity
“A strong thriving school system helps build a sense of pride and identity within a community With graduate support, local schools help maintain or improve the sense of pride, which can have long, lasting, positive effect on the region. We must continue to have a standard of excellence. If I have to define it, I would say excellence is the product of hard work and extra effort that creates the difference between an acceptable job and an outstanding job. You have to have a standard of effort. You can’t be as good as but you got to be better than.”
7. Leverage management funds and grants
“Alumni, the nation can be leveraged to secure matching funds and grants from corporations, foundations and government entities. Demonstrating strong alumni work can make East Feliciana Parish more attractive to external funders. Not just to graduates, but other people outside the community.”
8. Emergency and crisis funding
“Alumni financial support can provide a critical safety net through emergencies of crisis, such as natural disasters, economic downturn, ensure the school system can continue to operate and support its students. You need money to provide. You need funds.”
9. Boosting the school system’s reputation
“A strong record of alumni giving can enhance the reputation of the local school system. It reflects positively On the school district, showcasing loyalty and success of its graduates and can help attract positive students and faculty Yes, we are brother’s keepers. And the unified Alumni Association of East
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com.
Feliciana Parish is doing just that.”
State Rep. Roy Daryl Adams
Shannon Rogers and Phillis Gagliano dance at the East Feliciana Unified Alumni Association Mardi Gras Gala.
Former Clinton High band director Lawrence Jackson speaks to attendees at the East Feliciana Unified Alumni Association annual Mardi Gras Gala.
PROVIDED PHOTO
From left Cheryl Matthews, Juliette London, Patricia Washington, Lawrence Jackson, Vivian Watson and Janice Betrece at the East Feliciana Unified Alumni Association Mardi Gras Gala on March 1.
PROVIDED
Church Male Choir Black History
left are Brother Hunter Coates, Garey Spears, Stefan Alexander and the Rev. Marvin Moore; and back row, Brother Alton Thornton and Bruce Thornton.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Slaughter Community Charter School’s middle school championship team includes Lana Lee, Nieanna DuBroc, Lexie Box, Chloe Spinks, Aubree Hayes, McKenzie Robinson, Kenterrica Scott, Hali Branch and Bailey Stewart.
